Chapter 4 Microwave Waveguides and Components 4-0 INTRODUCTION In general, a waveguide consists of a hollow metallic tube of a rectangular or circu- lar shape used to guide an electromagnetic wave. Waveguides are used principally at frequencies in the microwave range; inconveniently large guides would be required to transmit radio-frequency power at longer wavelengths. At frequency range X band from 8.00 to 12.0 GHz, for example, the U.S. standard rectangular waveguide WR- 90 has an inner width of 2.286 cm (0.9 in.) and an inner height of 1.016 cm (0.4 in.); but its outside dimensions are 2.54 cm (1 in,) wide and 1.27 em (0.5 in.) high (1) In waveguides the electric and magnetic fields are confined to the space within the guides. Thus no power is lost through radiation, and even the dielectric loss is negligible, since the guides are normally air-filled. However, there is some power loss as heat in the walls of the guides, but the loss is very small. It is possible to propagate several modes of electromagnetic waves within a waveguide. These modes correspond to solutions of Maxwell's equations for particu lar waveguides. A given waveguide has a definite cutoff frequency for each allowed mode. If the frequency of the impressed signal is above the cutoff frequency for a tiven mode, the electromagnetic energy can be transmitted through the guide for that particular mode without attenuation. Otherwise the electromagnetic energy with a frequency below the cutoff frequency for that particular mode will be attenu- ated to a negligible value in a relatively short distance. The dominant mode in a par- ticular guide is the mode having the lowest cutoff frequency. Itis advisable to choose the dimensions of a guide in such a way that, for a given input signal, only the en- ergy of the dominant mode can be transmitted through the guide The process of solving the waveguide problems may involve three steps: 102Sec. 4.1 Rectangular Waveguides: 103 1, The desired wave equations are written in the form of either rectangular or cylindrical coordinate systems suitable to the problem at hand. 2, The boundary conditions are then applied to the wave equations set up in step 1 3. The resultant equations usually are in the form of partial differential equations in either time or frequency domain. They can be solved by using the proper method. 4-1 RECTANGULAR WAVEGUIDES A rectangular waveguide is a hollow metallic tube with a rectangular cross section. ‘The conducting walls of the guide confine the electromagnetic fields and thereby guide the electromagnetic wave. A number of distinct field configurations or modes can exist in waveguides. When the waves travel longitudinally down the guide, the plane waves are reflected from wall to wall. This process results in a component of either electric or magnetic field in the direction of propagation of the resultant wave; therefore the wave is no longer a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) wave. Figure 4-1-1 shows that any uniform plane wave in a lossless guide may be resolved into and TM waves. INLNC WAZ\ It is clear that when the wavelength A is in the direction of propagation of the incident wave, there will be one component A, in the direction normal to the reflecting plane and another A, parallel to the plane. These components are » ie 4-1-1 08 6 oe 41 Plane wave reflected in a Figure 4 waveguide LA MeaG (4-1-2) where 0 a angle of incidence wavelength of the impressed signal in unbounded medium A plane wave in a waveguide resolves into two components: one standing wave in the direction normal to the reflecting walls of the guide and one traveling wave in the direction parallel to the reflecting walls. In lossless waveguides the modes may be classified as either transverse electric (TE) mode or transverse magnetic (TM) ‘mode. In rectangular guides the modes are designated TE Or TMaq. The integer m104 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 denotes the number of half waves of electric or magnetic intensity inthe x direction, and n is the number of half waves in the y direction if the propagation of the wave is assumed in the positive = direction 4-1-1 Solutions of Wave Equations in Rectangular Coordinates |As stated previously, there are time-domain and frequency-domain solutions for each wave equation. However, for the simplicity of the solution to the wave equation in three dimensions plus a time-varying variable, only the sinusoidal steady-state or the frequency-domain solution will be given. A rectangular coordinate system is shown in Fig. 4 o “Figure 4-1-2 Rectangular coordinates ‘The electric and magnetic wave equations in frequency domain in Eqs. (2-1-20) and (2-1-21) are given by . VE = 7E (4-1-3) VH = YH (4-1-4) where y = Vjoulo + jue) = a + jB. These are called the vector wave equa- tions. Rectangular coordinates are the usual right-hand system. The rectangular com- ponents of E or H satisfy the complex scalar wave equation or Helmholtz equation vo= ry (4-1-5) ‘The Helmholtz equation in rectangular coordinates is a a git it a7 ye (4-1-6) This is a linear and inhomogeneous partial differential equation in three di- mensions. By the method of separation of variables, the solution is assumed in the form of ¥ = XQIYO)ZE) (41-7) ‘where X(x) = a function of the x coordinate only ¥(y) = a function of the y coordinate only Z(@) = a function of the z coordinate onlySec. 4.1 Rectangular Waveguides 105 Substitution of Eq. (4-1-7) in Eq. (4-1-6) and division of the resultant by Eq (4-1-7) yield dy 1d Yay" Za (4-1-8) Since the sum of the three terms on the left-hand side is a constant and each term is independently variable, it follows that each term must be equal to a constant. Let the three terms be k3, £3, and &?, respectively; then the separation equation is given by -K-K-B=y (41-9) ‘The general solution of each differential equation in Eq. (4-1-8) @x nee (4-1-10) (4-1-1) (4-1-12) will be in the form of X= A sin (kx) + B cos (kx) (41-13) ¥ = Csin (ky) + D cos (ky) (4-1-14) Z = Essin (kz) + F cos (2) . (4-1-15) ‘The total solution of the Helmholtz equation in rectangular coordinates is W = [A sin (ket) + B cos (kex)I{C sin (Ky) + D cos (&,y)] X (E sin (kz) + F c0s (k2)) (41-16) ‘The propagation of the wave in the guide is conventionally assumed in the positive z direction. It should be noted that the propagation constant, in the guide differs from the intrinsic propagation constant y of the dielectric. Let Wav tht wav te (41-17) where k = VF + is usually called the cutoff wave number. For a lossless dielectric, y? = ~o? we. Then y= +Vote (4-1-18) There are three cases for the propagation constant 7, in the waveguide. Case I. There will be no wave propagation (evanescence) in the guide if o2je = K2 and y, = 0. This is the critical condition for eutoft propagation. The cutoff frequency is expressed as,106 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 VIER (41-19) anV pe Case II. ‘The wave will be propagating in the guide if w?qe > A? and Ye = +8, (4-1-20) ‘This means that the operating frequency must be above the cutoff frequency in order for a wave to propagate in the guide. Case TH. ‘The wave will be attenuated if w?we < k? and ya a= 20Vaey (BE) 1 wr2n ‘This means that if the operating frequency is below the cutoff frequency, the wave will decay exponentially with respect to a factor of — az and there will be no wave propagation because the propagation constant is a real quantity. Therefore the solu- tion to the Helmholtz equation in rectangular coordinates is given by W = [A sin (k.x) + B cos (k.x)JEC sin (ky) + D cos (kyy)le* (4-1-2) 4-1-2 TE Modes in Rectangular Waveguides It has been previously assumed that the waves are propagating in the positive z di- rection in the waveguide. Figure 4-1-3 shows the coordinates of a rectangular waveguide. Ligure 1-3. Coordinates of a recta. oan eee! er The TE.» modes in a rectangular guide are characterized by E, = 0. In other words, the z component of the magnetic field, H., must exist in order to have energy transmission in the guide. Consequently, from a given Helmholtz equation, WH, = YH, (4-1-23) ‘2 solution in the form ofSec. 4.1 Rectangular Waveguides 107 Hee [a sin will be determined in accordance with the given boundary conditions, where k, = mm/a and k, = nr/b are replaced. For a lossless dielectric, Maxwell's curl ‘equations in frequency domain are Vx B= -jopH (4-125) VX H = joeE (41-26) In rectangular coordinates, their components are OE: _ OE auth, (41-27) —jonH, (4-128) ~ jopH, (41-29) joe, (4-1-30) jweE, (4-1-31) je, (4-1-32) With the substitution a/a2 plified to = 0, the foregoing equations are sim- ~onll, (4-133) E. = opt, (4-1-34) = = jonl, (41:35) a, Sy TBM, = jek, (4-1-36) a ~ iBall, - 2 = jock, (41:37) aH, aH. faclanos (4-1-38) Solving these six equations for E., ,, H., and H, in terms of H, will give the TE~108 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 mode field equations in rectangular waveguides as (4-1-39) (4-1-40) (41-41) oH, We Ee (4-1-42) BES (41-43) H, = Eq, (4-1-24) (4-1-44) where K? = we — Bi has been replaced. Differentiating Eq. (4-1-24) with respect to x and y and then substituting the results in Eqs, (4-1-39) through (4-1-43) yield a set of field equations. The boundary ‘Conditions are applied to the newly found field equations in such a manner that either the tangent E field or the normal H field vanishes at the surface of the conductor. Since E, = 0, then aH,/y = 0 at y = 0, b. Hence C, = 0. Since E, = 0, then aH.Jax = Oarx = 0, a. Hence Ay = 0. It is generally concluded that the normal derivative of H, must vanish at the conducting surfaces—that is, an, a (41-45) at the guide walls. Therefore the magnetic field in the positive z direction is given by 14. = Ha cos (EE) cos ("2 where Ho: is the amplitude constant. ‘Substitution of Eq. (4-1-46) in Eqs. (4-1-39) through (4~ field equations in rectangular waveguides as em (4-1-46) 3) yields the TE ns (4-1-48) (4-1-49) (4-1-S0) (4-1-51)Sec. 4.1 Rectangular Waveguides 109 Bg, (4-1-46) (4-1-2) excepted ‘The cutoff wave number k., as defined by Eq. (4-1-17) for the TEms modes, is given by (4-1-53) where a and b are in meters. The cutoff frequency, as defined in Eq. (4-1-19) for the TE modes, is Im? sn? 1 aa Ta Nat * Bi (4-1-54) ‘The propagation constant (or the phase constant here) B,, as defined in Eq. (4-1-18), is expressed by B, = oVpe 1 - & (4-1-55) ‘The phase velocity in the positive z direction for the TE,, modes is shown as o-oo (4-1-56) Be VI= IP where v, = 1/'V/ye is the phase velocity in an unbounded dielectric. ‘The characteristic wave impedance of TEm modes in the guide can be derived from Eqs. (4-1-33) and (4-1-34): BL Blown 7 “i VID GU Cn a where» = V/j/e is the intrinsic impedance in an unbounded dielectric. The wave- length Ay in the guide for the TBm modes is given by where A = v4/fis the wavelength in an unbounded dielectric. Since the cutoff frequency shown in Eq. (4-1-54) is a function of the modes and guide dimensions, the physical size of the waveguide will determine the propa- gation of the modes. Table 4-1-1 tabulates the ratio of cutoff frequency of some ‘modes with respect to that of the dominant mode in terms of the physical dimension. ‘Whenever two or more modes have the same cutoff frequency, they are said to be degenerate modes. In a rectangular guide the corresponding TE and TMm modes are always degenerate, In a square guide the TEqr, TE, TMzr. and TMox modes form a foursome of degeneracy. Rectangular guides ordinarily have dimen- sions of a = 2b ratio. The mode with the lowest cutoff frequency in a particular110 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 val 1 MODES OF (eln/fe FOR @ = Modes Sl fo TEx TE, TE: TEx ‘afb TE TE) TM TE® TE TMn Mz TMn TE» ' meres ete te ree chee co eet 8 Ls 14s 1803-23 2500 3.162 3.6063 2 12 22% 2 4 RM 42S aD 3 i eae sed 76) ee 3.006) 6008) cS = 1 = eel eel = ‘° 3 Slee eas ance oan ceed guide is called the dominant mode. The dominant mode in a rectangular guide with o> bis the TE) mode. Each mode has a specific mode pattern (or field pattern). Tt is normal for all modes to exist simultaneously in a given waveguide. The sit uation is not very serious, however. Actually, only the dominant mode propagates, ‘nd the higher modes near the sources or discontinuities decay very fast. Example 41-1; TE in Rectangular Waveguide ‘An air-filled rectangular wavepuide of inside dimensions 7.3.5 em operates in the dominant TEie mode as shown in Fig. 4-1-4 Figure 4-1-4 Rectangular waveguide Oo} 7 em —>1 for Example 4-1-1 ‘a, Find the cutoff frequency, bb Determine the phase velocity of the wave in the guide ata frequency of 3.5 GHz. ‘e. Determine the guided wavelength at the same frequency, Sottion cL 3x10 MA 3," Te T x 17” 2 GH b. = ——— 3x10 = 3.78 x 10° ms ~ GP Vi- @apase Or do 3X 10'/8.5 X10) 19.5 om Vi Gar VI 214735)Sec. 4.1 Rectangular Waveguides rn 4-1-3 TM Modes in Rectangular Waveguides The TMmr modes in a rectangular guide are characterized by H. = 0. In other words, the z component of an electric field E must exist in order to have energy transmission in the guide. Consequently, the Helmholtz equation for E in the rectan- gular coordinates is given by VE. = 7E, (4-1-59) ‘A solution of the Helmholtz. equation is in the form of frm!) few) om which must be determined according to the given boundary conditions. The proce- dures for doing so are similar to those used in finding the TE-mode wave. ‘The boundary conditions on £, require that the field vanishes at the waveguide walls, since the tangent component of the electric field E, is zero on the conducting surface. This requirement is that for E, = 0 at x = 0, a, then Bn = 0, and for E, = 0 aty = 0, b, then D, = 0. Thus the solution as shown in Eq. (4-1-60) re- duces to E. = Ew sin () sin (Blew (41-61) where m a 3 2, 3, If either m = 0 or n = 0, the field intensities all vanish. So there is no TMoy or ‘TMw mode in a rectangular waveguide, which means that TE, is the dominant mode in a rectangular waveguide for a > b. For H, = 0, the field equations, after expanding VX H = joeE, are given by ak. Sy t BBs = ~ Jom (4-1-62) jot, (4-1-63) (4-1-64), we (4-1-65) web, (4-1-66) aH, aH. Sen Gy = lve: (4-1-67) ‘These equations can be solved simultaneously for E,, E, , H,, and H, in terms of E,112 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 ‘The resultant field equations for TM modes are (4-1-68) (4-1-69) (4-1-70) @1-71) (4-1-7) H.=0 (4-1-73) where B — we = -K? is replaced. Differentiating Eq. (4-1-61) with respect to x or y and substituting the results in Eqs. (4-1-68) through (4-1-73) yield a new set of field equations. The TM» mode ficld equations in rectangular waveguides are E, = Eq cos 2) sin (Bene (41-74) (4-1-5) (4-1-76) (4-1-77) (4-1-78) =0 (4-1-79) ‘Some of the TM-mode characteristic equations are identical to those of the TE ‘modes, but some are different. For convenience, all are shown here: haa Vete (4-1-80) p.=0Vneyi- (6) (41-81) = A es ava 41-82) "7 Ge rss)Sec. 4.1 Rectangular Waveguides 113 — Bes ay - (LY (4-1-84) Bea nyi-(f) ors 4-1-4 Power Transmission in Rectangular Waveguide The power transmitted through a waveguide and the power loss in the guide walls ‘can be calculated by means of the complex Poynting theorem described in Chapter 2. Itis assumed that the guide is terminated in such a way that there is no reflection from the receiving end or that the guide is infinitely long compared with the wave- length. From the Poynting theorem in Section 2-2, the power transmitted through a guide is given by r= f pods $ die x wea (4-1-85) For a lossless dielectric, the time-average power flow through a rectangular guide is given by da 4] JHE da (4-1-86) For TEx modes, the average power transmitted through a rectangular waveguide is given by Msi f (EP +IEPardy 41-87) For TMax modes, the average power transmitted through a rectangular waveguide is given by i a0 Rea {f (EP + (EP) dedy (41-88) 2nVI~ GID Ss bo where 7 = Vja/e is the intrinsic impedance in an unbounded dielectric. 4-1-5 Power Losses in Rectangular Waveguides ‘There are two types of power losses in a rectangular waveguide: 1. Losses in the dielectric 2, Losses in the guide walls First we shall consider power losses caused by dielectric attenuation. In a low-14 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 loss dielectric (that is, o < je), the propagation constant for a plane wave traveling in an unbounded lossy dielectric is given in Eq. (2-5-20) by fume «2 The attenuation caused by the low-loss dielectric in the rectangular waveguide for the TEmr OF TMme modes is given by ass (4-1-89) on a, = Wie Gin for TE mode (4-1-90) a, Bvi —(E/fF for TM mode (4-1-90a) [As f > fr« the attenuation constant in the guide approaches that for the unbounded dielectric given by Eq. (4-1-89). However, if the operating frequency is way below the cutoff frequency, ff, the attenuation constant becomes very large and non- propagation occurs. ‘Now we shall consider power losses caused by the guide walls. When the elec tric and magnetic intensities propagate through a lossy waveguide, their magnitudes may be written JE] = | Bales (41-91) \H) = | Helerve {4-1-92) where Eo, and Ho; are the field intensities at z = 0. It is interesting to note that, for a low-loss guide, the time-average power flow decreases proportionally to e~ ** Hence Py = (Pa Prado (441-93) For Pa < Pe and 2a,2 <1, Pon = + aye (4-1-94) Finally, = Pe =F 41-95) where P, is the power loss per unit length. Consequently, the attenuation constant of the guide walls is equal to the ratio of the power loss per unit length to twice the power transmitted through the guide. Since the electric and magnetic field intensities established at the surface of a low-loss guide wall decay exponentially with respect to the skin depth while the ‘waves progress into the walls, it is better to define a surface resistance of the guide walls as fH square (4-1-96)Sec. 4.1 Rectangular Waveguides 15 resistivity of the conducting wall in ohms-meter @ = conductivity in mis per meter 6 = skin depth or depth of penetration in meters ‘The power loss per unit length of guide is obtained by integrating the power density over the surface of the conductor corresponding to the unit length of the guide, This is where R Pe | |H.Pds Whonit length (4-1-97) where H, is the tangential component of magnetic intensity at the guide walls. Substitution of Eqs. (4-1-86) and (4-1-97) in Eq. (4-1-95) yields LAHP ds = 35 TAP aa (4-1-98) where [HP = |aeP + [ALP (4-1-99) (HP = [Hal + | Ho? (4-1-100) Example 4-1-2: | TEw Mode in Rectangular Waveguide An airfilled waveguide with a cross section 2x 1 em transports energy in the TE mode at the rate of 0.5 hp. The impressed frequency is 30 GHz. What isthe peak value of the electric field occurring in the guide? (Refer to Fig. 4-1-5.) Solution ‘The field components of the dominant mode TEs can be obtained by sub- stituting m = 1 and n = 0 in Eqs. (4-1-47) through (4-1-2). Then —. Figure 4-1-8 Rectan for Example 4-1-2. lar waveguide ae116 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 ‘The phase constant canbe found from ea peexe OLE 1 og ft Oe Ve ox 10° = 193.59 = 608.81 rad 7 a [1 [eon (ems) «ssa hore]) oe yee [[ eG) aa Be oy es pe 193:5x(10-992 X10) 313 = Eb aa x 10 Ver X 10) Eq = 53.87 kVim, ‘The peak value of the electric intensity is $3.87 kVim. 4-1-6 Excitations of Modes in Rectangular Waveguides In general, the field intensities of the desired mode in a waveguide can be established bby means of a probe or loop-coupling device. The probe may be called a monopole antenna; the coupling loop, the loop antenna. A probe should be located so as to ex- cite the electric field intensity of the mode, and a coupling loop in such a way as to generate the magnetic field intensity for the desired mode. If two or more probes or Toops are to be used, care must be taken to ensure the proper phase relationship be- ‘tween the currents in the various antennas, This factor can be achieved by inserting additional lengths of transmission line in one or more of the antenna feeders. Impedance matching can be accomplished by varying the position and depth of the antenna in the guide or by using impedance-matching stubs on the coaxial line feed- ing the waveguide. A device that excites a given mode in the guide can also serve reciprocally as a receiver or collector of energy for that mode. The methods of exci- tation for various modes in rectangular waveguides are shown in Fig. 4-1-6 In order to excite a TEiy mode in one direction of the guide, the two exciting antennas should be arranged in such way that the field intensities cancel each other in one direction and reinforce in the other. Figure 4-1-7 shows an arrangement for launching a TE, mode in one direction only. The two antennas are placed a quarter- wavelength apart and their phases are in time quadrature. Phasing is compensated by use of an additional quarter-wavelength section of line connected to the antennaSec. 4.1 Rectangular Waveguides 17 Antenna probe ‘Antenna probe TM; mode TM, mode Figure 4-1-6 Methods of exciting various modes in rectangular waveguides. Oma eam me Waveguide ‘Antefna probe Figure 4-1-7 A method of lainching RF input TE, mode in one direction only feeders. The field intensities radiated by the two antennas are in phase opposition to the left of the antennas and cancel each other, whereas in the region to the right of the antennas the field intensities are in time phase and reinforce each other. The re- sulting wave thus propagates to the right in the guide. Some higher modes are generated by discontinuities of the waveguide such as obstacles, bends, and loads. However, the higher-order modes are, in general, more highly attenuated than the corresponding dominant mode. On the other hand, the dominant mode tends to remain as a dominant wave even when the guide is large enough to support the higher modes. 4-1-7 Characteristics of Standard Rectangular Waveguides Rectangular waveguides are commonly used for power transmission at microwave frequencies. Their physical dimensions are regulated by the frequency of the signal being transmitted. For example, at X-band frequencies from 8 to 12 GHz, the out- side dimensions of a rectangular waveguide, designated as EIA WR (90) by the Electronic Industry Association, are 2.54 em (1.0 in.) wide and 1.27 cm (0.5 in.)118 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 TABLE 4-1-7 CHARACTERISTICS OF STANDARD RECTANGULAR WAVEGUIDES: Physical dimensions Cotatt ‘Recommended frequency for | frequency Inside, in em (in.) ‘Outside, in em (in.) air-filled range for waveguide TE io mode width [Height | Width | Height in GHz in GHZ 2300 58.420 | 29.210 | 59.055 | 29.845 0257 032-09 23.000) | (11-500) | (23,250) | (11.750) 2100 33.340 | 26.670 | 53.973 | 27.305 0.281 035-053, 21,000) | (10.500) | (1.250) | (10.750) 1800 43720 | 22.860 | 46.350 | 23.495 0.328 0.41-0.62 (18.000) | @.000) | (18.250) | (9.250) 1500 38.100 | 19.050 | 38.735 | 19.685 0.394 0.49-0.75 (43.000) | .500) | 5.250) | (7.250) 1150 za2io | 14.605 | 29.845 | 15.240 ost 064-098 (11.500) } (5.750) ] (11.750) | (6.000) 915 24765 | 12383 | 25.400 | 13.018 0.606 0.76-1.15 (9.750) | (4.875) | (10.000) | (5.125) 770 isso | 9.779 | 20.284 | 10.414 0.167 0,96-1.46 (7.700) | (3.850) | (7.970) | (4.100) 650 16.510 3255 | 16.916 8.661 0.909 1.73 (6.500) | (3.250) | (6.660) | (3.410) 510 12.954 6477 | 13.360 6.383 L158 145-2.20 5.100) | (2.500) | 6.260) | 2.710) 430 10.922 S461 | 11.328 5.867 1373 172-261 (4.300) ] 2.150) | (4.460) | 2310) 340 8636 | 4318 goa | 4.724 1.737 2.17-3,30 3.400) | (1.700) | G.560) | (1-860) 284 7218 3.408 7.620 3.810 2.079 2.60-3.95 (24a) | 4.340) | G.000) | (1.500) 29 5817 2,908 6.142 3.233 2.579 3.22-4.90 2.290) | das) | ais) | 0.273) 187 4.155 2215 5.080 | 2.540 3.155 3945.99 (1872) | @.872) | (2.000) | (1.000) 19 4.039 2.019 4364 [2.344 3.4 464-705 (1.590) | 795) | aris) | 0.923) 7 3.485 1580 3.810 1.905 4.304 5.38-8.17 37) | @.622) | (1.500) | (0.750) uz 2.850 1.262 3.175 1.588 5.263 6.57-9.99 12) | wasn | (250) | 625) % 2.286 1.016 2.540 1270 6.562 8.20-12.50 (0.900) | @.400) | (1.000) | (0.500) 15 1.90 0.953 2159 1207 7.874 9.84-15.00 (0.750) | 375) | (0.850) | (0.475) eo 1580 0.790 1.783 0.993 9.494 11,90-18.00 (022) | cary | 702 | 391) st 1.295 0.688 1499 | 0.851 11.583, 14.50-22.00 (asia) | 255) | (590) | 335) 2 1.067 0.432 120 | 0.635 14.058 17,60-26.70 go.42) | 170 | (0.500) | (0.250) "Electron Industry Association Rectangular WaveguideSec. 4.2 Circular Waveguides 19 TABLE 4-1-7 CHARACTERISTICS OF STANDARD RECTANGULAR WAVEGUIDES (Cont) oe Cuott | Recommended —— frequency for | tequency Biat Inside, inem (in) | Oude, incm ny | aitiled range for designation waveguide | TE mode wee) {win | Heige [widh [Hig | “in Gite in Ghz. 3 ose | om | 100 | ows wae | 2170-33.00 x0) | 0.170) | (420 | 0.250) 28 om | 033 | oss | oss0 21.007 | 26.40-40.00 028) | 0.140 | ©2360) | 220) n 050 | 02 | orm | oss 26.362 | 32.90-80.10 229 | 112) | (309 | e292) 9 os | 029 | ost | 042 sisi | 39.20-59.60 (0.185) | 0094 | 0268) | (0.74 15 0376 | tse | 051 | 0301 soos | 49,80-75.80 0.1%) | om | @28 | 13% R o3i0 | o1ss | 0313 | ose 48387 | 650-9190 2.12) | eo | (20) | oan 10 021 | oi? | o4s7 | 0330 s9.0ss | 73.80-112.00 (0.100) | 005 | .s) | 130) 8 0203 | 0102 | 0405 | 0305 rasox | 92.20-140.00 (0.08) | @.0%) | (6 | 0.120) 7 016 | cose | oss | 0.262 90.909} 114.00-173.00 0.065) | cosy | ons | e103) 5 0.130 | 0066 | 0.257 | 0.193 | 115.85 | 148.00-220.00 05) | ox | won | 0% 4 0.109 | 00s | oz | ois? | tres | 172.00-261.00 (0.083) } 0.022) | 08s) | (0.062) 3 ox | 003 | ote | otis | reais | 217.00-333.00 (0.03 | or) | oss | cos high, and its inside dimensions are 2.286 cm (0.90 in.) wide and 1.016 em (0.40 in.) high. Table 4-1-7 tabulates the characteristics of the standard rectangular waveguides. 4-2 CIRCULAR WAVEGUIDES A circular waveguide is a tubular, circular conductor. A plane wave propagating through a circular waveguide results in a transverse electric (TE) of transerse mag- netic (TM) mode. Several other types of waveguides, such as elliptical and reentrant guides, also propagate electromagnetic waves. 4-2-1 Solutions of Wave Equations in Cylindrical Coordinates |As described in Section 4-1 for rectangular waveguides, only a sinusoidal steady- state or frequency-domain solution will be attempted for circular waveguides. A cylindrical coordinate system is shown in Fig. 4-2-1120 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 we < Figure 4-2-1 Cylindrical coordinates ‘The scalar Helmholtz equation in cylindrical coordinates is given by La(,av) , Lee, oY rie) 1a ean Using the method of separation of variables, the solution is assumed in the form of W = R()OO)Z(2) (4-2-2) where R(r) = a function of the r coordinate only (4) = a function of the ¢ coordinate only Z(z) = a function of the z coordinate only Substitution of Eq. (4-2-2) in (4-2-1) and division of the resultant by (4-2-2) yield Ld (it), Lee Laz mR dr dr} | db?" Z di Since the sum of the three independent terms is a constant, each of the three terms ‘must be a constant, The third term may be set equal to a constant 4 ae a (4-2-3) nz (4-2-4) The solutions of this equation are given by 2 = ew 4 Ber 25) were 7, = propagation constant ofthe wave in te guide. Treerting 9? for the third term in the lefthand side of Eq. (4-2-3) and multi plying the resultant by r? yield rd (dR) 18% 9. tA Be ESR ae ‘The second term isa function of & only; hence equating the second tem toa con- 0 (4-2-6)Sec.4.2 Circular Waveguides 121 stant (~n?) yields Go, gore (4-2-7) ‘The solution of this equation is also a harmonic function: © = A, sin (np) + Bu cos (nb) (4-2-8) Replacing the ® term by (—n*) in Eq. (4-2-6) and multiplying through by R, we have (4-2-9) a (G) + [ker = nR This is Bessel’s equation of order n in which Rtypay (4-2-10) This equation is called the characteristic equation of Bessel's equation. For a lossless guide, the characteristic equation reduces to By = +Vorne — The solutions of Bessel’s equation are R= Codalker) + DyNalker) (42-12) (4-2-11) where Ja(ker) is the nth-order Bessel function of the first kind, representing a stand- ing wave of cos (ker) for r < a as shown in Fig. 4-2-2, Na(k.r) is the nth-order Bes- sel function of the second kind, representing a standing wave of sin (k.r) for r > a as shown in Fig. 4-2-3, Therefore the total solution of the Helmholtz, equation in cylindrical coordi- nates is given by W = [CrJnlker) + DyNalker)[An sin (mb) + By cos (nd)]e*%* (4-2-13) T 1 oo ti | 10 ; ost Wo + Js | ty, T T + Value of J, (hr) t | Argument 0fJ,(4.°) Figure 4-2-2 Bessel functions ofthe frst kind122 ‘Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 o 2.4 6 8 1 12 14 16 Argurment oF Ny(K2) Figure 4-2-3. Bessel functions of the second kind ‘Atr =0, however, kr = 0; then the function N approaches infinity, so Ds = 0. This means that at r = 0 on the z axis, the field must be finite. Also, by use of trigonometric manipulations, the two sinusoidal terms become (x) Bu ‘Ax sin (nd) + B, cos (nd) = Vz + BR cos [ne + tan” = F,c0s (np) (4-2-14) Finally, the solution of the Helmholtz. equation is reduced to W = Vodulker) cos (mbes? (4-2-15) 4-2.2 TE Modes in Circular Waveguides It is commonly assumed that the waves in a citcular waveguide are propagating in the positive = direction. Figure 4-2-4 shows the coordinates of a circular guide. “The TE modes in the circular guide are characterized by E. = 0. This means he * Figure 4-2-4 Coordinates ofa circular * waveguideSee. 4.2 Circular Waveguides 123 that the z component of the magnetic field H, must exist in the guide in order to have ectromagnetic energy transmission. A Helmholtz equation for H, in a circular guide is given by VH, = 7H, (42-16) Its solution is given in Eq. (4-2-15) by Hy = Hocdalkcr) 608 (nde (42-17) which is subject to the given boundary conditions. For a lossless dielectric, Maxwell’s curl equations in frequency domain are given by Vx E= ~jonll (4-2-18) VKH = jock (42-19) In cylindrical coordinates, their components are expressed as, ~ jon, (4-2-20) = jou (42-21) = jopH: (4-2-2) = jweE, (4-2-23) jocks (4-2-24) ‘jweE: (4-2-25) When the differentiation 2/0: is replaced by ( ~ jB,) and the z component of elec tric field E, by zero, the TE-mode equations in terms of H, in a circular waveguide are expressed as jou | oH, 2. Br ob (4-2-26) jou oH. 22 Es Ear (4-2-27) 0 (4-2-28) aH. (4-2-29)128 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 1 aH, He ae (4-2-30) H, = HocJnlkgr) 0s (nd Jee? (4-2-31) where k? = we — Bz has been replaced. “The boundary conditions require that the & component of the electric field Ey, hich is tangential to the inner surface of the circular waveguide at r = a, must van- ish or that the r component of the magnetic field H,, which is normal to the inner surface of r = a, must vanish. Consequently Ey =Oar=a (4-2-32) Hence Jalkea) = 0 (4-2-3) where J indicates the derivative of Je ‘Since the J. are oscillatory functions, the J;(kea) are also oscillatory func- tions, An infinite sequence of values of (k-a) satisfies Eq. (4-2-32). These points, the roots of Eq. (4-2-32), correspond to the maxima and minima of the curves “Uk-a), as shown in Fig, 4-2-2. Table 4-2-1 tabulates a few roots of Ji(ka) for some lower-order 1. TABLE 4-2-1 pth ZEROS OF Jh(Kca) FOR TEm MODES fia Opec eee n= 0 L 2 3 4 5 t 3.832 1841 3.054 4.201 3317 6.416 2 To16 5331 6.706 Bois 9282 © 10.520, 3 10.173 8.536 9.969 13512682 13.987 4 13324 1.706 170 The permissible values of k. can be written Xe Substitution of Eq. (4-2-17) in Eqs. (4-2-26) through (4-2-31) yields the complete field equations of the TEs, modes in circular waveguides: E, en1 (4) sin (nde! ke (4-2-34) -35)Sec. 4.2 Circular Waveguides 125 Bes ati(*24) £0s (nde? (4-236) 42-37) A=- s+ 1 (St) 0s (ne? (4-2-38) Exe 5 (Xr ey 2.2 Zz af fF ) sin (nde (4-2-39) Xior os 1 = Had) 00s nd erst (4-2-40) where Zp = E,/Hs = — E4/H, has been replaced for the wave impedance in the guide and where n = 0, 1, 2,3... . and p = 1, 2, 3, 4, ‘The first subscript represents the number of full cycles of field variation in ‘one revolution through 2zr rad of ¢. The second subscript p indicates the number of zer0s of Es—that is, J(Xépr/a) along the radial of a guide, but the zero on the axis is excluded if it exists. ‘The mode propagation constant is determined by Eqs. (4-2-26) through (4-2-31) and Eq. (4-2-34) B= Vurne - (%2)° (42-41) The cutoff wave number of a mode is that for which the mode propagation constant vanishes. Hence one (4-2-42) ‘The cutoff frequency for TE modes in a circular guide is then given by Xe f= (4-2-43) Sedma Me ) and the phase velocity for TE modes is w=2 = (4-2-44) Be V1 ~ (te where 0, = 1/V ue = /Vuce, is the phase velocity in an unbounded dielectric. The wavelength and wave impedance for TE modes in a circular guide are given, respectively, by A io (4-2-45) Vi E/E : and of. 1 (4-2-46) Be VV (ELS : :126 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 where A = “£ = wavelength in an unbounded dielectric \ E = intrinsic impedance in an unbounded dielectric Example 4-2-1: TE Mode in Circular Waveguide ‘A TE, mode is propagating through a circular waveguide. The radius ofthe guide is Seem, and the guide contains an air dielectric (refer to Fig. 4-2-5), Figure 4-2-5. Diagram for Example +E ‘a, Determine the cutoff frequency. 'b, Determine the wavelength Ay in the guide for an operating frequency of 3 GHz. ce, Determine the wave impedance Z, in the guide. Solution fa, From Table 4-2-1 for TE), mode, ccutoll wave number is +p = 1, and Xjy = 1.841 = ka. The L841 1.841 a 3x10? = 36.82 “The cutoff frequency is ke he (36.82)(3 x 104) 22 Voto on . The phase constant in the guide is Be = Vo*poeo = KE 758 x 10° Hz Vid X 3 x 1G X 107 & B85 x 10%) — G682F = 50.9 rads ‘The wavelength in the guide is on Be i 123m 3Soc. 4.2 Circular Waveguides 127 ce. The wave impedance in the guide is (2m x3 x 104 x 1077) 30.9 4-2-3 TM Modes in Circular Waveguides The TMy, modes in a circular guide are characterized by H: = 0. However, the z component of the electric field E must exist in order to have energy transmission in the guide. Consequently, the Helmholtz equation for E; in a circular waveguide is given by VE, = 7E, (4-2-47) Its solution is given in Eq. (4-2-15) by E. = EnoJylker) cos (nde“s” (4-2-48) which is subject to the given boundary conditions. The boundary condition requires that the tangential component of electric field E, at r = aa vanishes. Consequently, Jdkca) = 0 (4-2-49) Since J,(k.r) are oscillatory functions, as shown in Fig. 4-2-2, there are infinite numbers of roots of Ja(kr). Table 4-2-2 tabulates a few of them for some lower- order n, TABLE 4-2-2 pth ZEROS OF (Kz) FOR TMrp MODES p= 0 1 2 3 4 5 1 2.405 3.832 5.136 6.380 7.588 a7 2 5320 7.106 Bal 9761 106s 12.339 3 8045 10.173 1.620 Bos 14372 4 11.792, 13324 14.796 O and 3/2 = — jBy, the field equations in the circular guide, after expanding V x E = ~ jouH and ¥ x H = je, are given by (4-2-50) (4-2-51) (4-2-52) (4-2-53)128 Microwave Waveguides and Components Chap. 4 = ioe Es ook ar H.=0 where k? = w®pe — B} has been replaced. Differentiation of Eq. (4-2-48) with respect to z and substitution of the result in Eqs. (4-2-50) through (4-2-5) yield the field equations of TM,» modes in a circu- lar waveguide (4-2-56) (4-2-57) (4-2-58) (42-59) (4-2-60) (4-2-61) ‘w/a have been replaced and where Z, = E,/Hs = ~ E4/H, = By/(we) and ke = where n= 0, 1,2,3,...andp = 1, 2,3,4,. ‘Some of the M-mode characteristic equations in the circular guide are identi- cal to those of the TE mode, but some are different. For convenience, all are shown here: (4-2-62) (4-2-63) (4-2-64) (4-2-65) (4-2-6) ate (42-67) =2- It should be noted that the dominant mode, or the mode of lowest cutoff frequencySec. 4.2 Circular Waveguides 129 in a circular waveguide, is the mode of TE, that has the smallest value of the product, k.a = 1.841, as shown in Tables 4-2-1 and 4-; Example 4-2-2: Wave Propagation in Circular Waveguide An airsfilled circular waveguide has a radius of 2 cm and is to carry energy at a fre~ quency of 10 GHz. Find all the TEy and TM, modes for which energy transmission is possible Solution Since the physical dimension of the guide and the frequency of the wave re~ ‘main constant, the product of (ka) is also constant. Thus ‘Any mode having a product of (K.a) less than or equal to 4.18 will propagate the wave ‘with a frequency of 10 GHz. This is ka S418 ‘The possible modes are 1.841) TM(2.405) ‘TEn(3.054) TM, (3.832) ‘TEoi(3.832) 4-2-4 TEM Modes in Circular Waveguides ‘The transverse electric and transverse magnetic (TEM) modes or transmission-Iine modes are characterized by E 0 This means that the electric and magnetic fields are completely transverse to the di- rection of wave propagation. This mode cannot exist in hollow waveguides, since it requires two conductors, such as the coaxial transmission line and two-open-wire line, Analysis of the TEM mode illustrates an excellent analogous relationship be- ‘tween the method of circuit theory and that of the field theory. Figure 4-2-6 shows ‘a coaxial line. ‘Maxwell’s curl equations in cylindrical coordinates VX E = ~ jon (4-2-68) VX H = jock (4-2-69) become B,E, = onts (4-2-70) ByEs = oH, (42-71)